CancerCompass message board discussion started by JoeSan32 on 6/24/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25373,0.htm Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I will keep this short and to the point.My father was originally diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma in his foot in late 2004. After toe and partial foot amputation and Interferon he was in remission until 8 months ago.  In November 2007 more tumors began to grow in his foot and calf. The first few were removed, but less than a week later his leg was engulfed by 19 more tumors throughout his calf and thigh.  In April 2008 he was administered an Isolated Limb Profusion. In two weeks all but the largest tumors had died, and/or fallen off. Upon his return visit, 6 more tumors, 3 above the profusion line and 3 below in a patch of skin where the profusion did not reach (by ankle).Yesterday he was informed that the doctor's a Robert Wood Johnson convened to discuss his case and the following protocols were said to be his best treatment:A lottery clinical trial which only hopes to contain and control the current tumors and deny further tumors from appearing. If after the trial finishes, if it is working and side-effects are minimal, he would remain on the protocol for the remainder of his life.His oncologist keeps telling us that he is great health and that his life in not in danger. My questions are: Has anyone ever heard of such a prognosis?Given the aggressiveness of his particular melanoma, and the the speed at which the tumors are appearing and growing, what is my dad really looking at here? Thanks and god bless,Joe JoeSan32 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Once melanoma takes hold as in the dads situation it seems to explode.  This was the case with my sisters fiance and another melanoma patient I knew.  At this stage I would go along with the trial protocol as this is his best chance for any extension of life.  Some patients respond remarkably well in trials, unfortunately, most patients are at their last resort before able to partake.  I would disagree with the doctor who says you dads health is not in danger.  It may be true that otherwise he is healthy but cancer has no mercy and can turn otherwise healthy tissue into tumor quickly.  Do whatever to give you dad some quality time and say whatever needs to be said.  Leemg Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT given the information you provided, that does seem like a strange prognosis.  Stage 4 melanoma is generally not cureable.  The average survival if it doesnt spread to the lungs , liver or brain is around 12 months.  Less if it does.  If it concerns you, I would ask your doc to explain it in more detail.  I agree a clinical trial is probably the best option. Oncrx Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Joe - my heart goes out to your and your father.  I have had 3 stage III melanomas within a short period of time.  If the wait for another opinion  and valuable time doesn't get lost, would you consider another opinion at MD Anderson or some other respected cancer center?  If there is no other option, I would probably do the trial.  Good things happen with prayer and I will pray that the right decision will be made for your father and that it works!  Tara YaYaTara Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Joe - my heart goes out to your and your father.  I have had 3 stage III melanomas within a short period of time.  If the wait for another opinion  and valuable time doesn't get lost, would you consider another opinion at MD Anderson or some other respected cancer center?  If there is no other option, I would probably do the trial.  Good things happen with prayer and I will pray that the right decision will be made for your father and that it works!  Tara YaYaTara Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT The Doc probably meant the general health was good aside from the Melanoma which will help fight the disease.  Yes, median survival for stage IV (ex. multiple distant metastis in the lung) may be around 12 months.  The is no specific cure but cure does occur.  The faster the tumors grow the shorter the survival rate.  Melanoma is a strange disease and one of the few that has rare (very rare) occurance of spontaneous remission.  It is totally unpredictable.   To that point, stage I typically has a very good prognosis but 2yrs later a tumor in the lungs, liver or brain can pop up even when the original site was caught early.  There are different treatments that may help like leukine, Interleukin, T-cell, etc. but the trick is for the doctors to find one that works for you.  The best progress for new meds seems to be centered around assisting the immune system.  This again plays to the doctors reassurance that he is in good health and may able to fight this disease.  What I have found is that there isn't a doctor anywhere that can tell you with any certainty what Melanoma will do or where it will appear next because they simply do not know.  My wife is dealing with Stage IV of the lung  after 12 months of Interferon.  She just had a middle lobectomy and is doing well after surgery about to start Leukine therapy.  She is in great health but the doctors just don't know what will happen next.  It may not come back (maybe 10% chance of that) and it could pop up anywhere in the body or everywhere.  They just don't know.  We just remain vigilant.  God bless and good luck. clintandmelinda Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT